Gaming machine and method for providing game

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine includes: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that is operable with the display and the operation unit to: control the display to display an arrangement of a plurality of symbols for providing the game, the symbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds; provide an award to the player when the arrangement is determined to be a combination including a predetermined number of symbols that belong to a kind that is defined as a specific symbol; and modify the kind of symbols to be defined as the specific symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is based upon and claims priority from priorJapanese Patent Application No. 2006-209837, filed on Aug. 1, 2006, theentire content of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a method forpaying out an award on the basis of a combination of arranged symbols.The present invention also relates to a gaming machine and a method formodifying symbols to satisfy the combination to pay out the award when apredetermined condition is satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machines, isconfigured such that the game is started by inserting a game medium suchas a coin into the gaming machine. Thereafter, symbol columns arevariably displayed in a predetermined area of the gaming machine and aredisplayed stopped after lapse of a predetermined time period. Then, apredetermined amount of the game medium is paid out on the basis of thestopped symbol combination.

As a device for variably displaying the symbol columns, a mechanicalreel or a video reel is used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102 andU.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133 describe a slot machine displaying totallyfifteen symbols arranged in 3×5 matrix by use of the video reel or themechanical reel. In this slot machine, when the game is started, thereels rotate so that the symbols of the respective columns arranged in avertical direction are started to be variably displayed, and so thatthree symbols are displayed stopped in the respective columns as thereels stop rotations after lapse of a predetermined time period. Then,the award is paid out when the symbols are stopped and displayed in acombination, in which a predetermined number or more of symbols of thesame kind exist.

In the conventional slot machine described above, the combination to payout the award was always the same. Specifically, when a predeterminednumber of specific symbols of the same kind are stopped and displayed inthe display, the award to be paid out is determined based on the kinds(e.g., “CHERRY” or “7”) and the number (e.g., 3 to 10) of the symbolsdisplayed. The specified target symbols are fixedly predetermined in theconventional gaming machines.

SUMMARY

One of objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming machineand a method, which is enabled, by modifying the kinds of predeterminedsymbols to satisfy a combination to pay out an award when apredetermined condition is satisfied, to vary a pattern for satisfyingthe combination to pay out the award, so that a game attractive for theplayer can be provided to improve the expectation for the game.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a gamingmachine including: a display; an operation unit that allows a player toinput commands for playing a game; and a processor that is operable withthe display and the operation unit to: control the display to display anarrangement of a plurality of symbols for providing the game, thesymbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds; provide an awardto the player when the arrangement is determined to be a combinationincluding a predetermined number of symbols that belong to a kind thatis defined as a specific symbol; and modify the kind of symbols to bedefined as the specific symbol when a predetermined condition issatisfied.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod for providing a game to a player, the method including: allowingthe player to input commands for playing the game; displaying anarrangement of a plurality of symbols for providing the game, thesymbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds; providing anaward to the player when the arrangement is determined to be acombination including a predetermined number of symbols that belong to akind that is defined as a specific symbol; and modifying the kind ofsymbols to be defined as the specific symbol when a predeterminedcondition is satisfied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the combinations to satisfy awards in a slotmachine according to a first embodiment and the details of the awards;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machineaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view showing an award display screen to bedisplayed in an upper display;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view showing a symbol display unit accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view showing symbols to be displayed in thesymbol display unit after reels are rotated;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the symbol display unit in a state, in whicha player starts a game with 3-BET so that the symbols are stopped anddisplayed with the combination shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the symbol display unit in a state, in whicha player starts a game with 5-BET so that the symbols are stopped anddisplayed with the combination shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an award table showing the awards to be paid out to the playeron the basis of the combination of the symbols displayed in the symboldisplay unit;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of theslot machine according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a main control program in the slot machineaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a main gaming program in the slot machineaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the combinations for satisfying the awardsin the slot machine according to a second embodiment, and the details ofthe awards; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the combinations for satisfying the awardsin the slot machine according to a third embodiment, and the details ofthe awards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A gaming machine according to the present invention is described indetail on first to third embodiments embodying the slot machine, withreference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the following slotmachines according the first to third embodiments are the so-called“video slot machine”, which is provided with an image display devicesuch as a liquid crystal display so that a game can be played by aplayer by displaying images of various symbols in the image displaydevice.

The slot machine according to the embodiments is characterized in thatan award is paid out when symbols of the same kind are arranged in apredetermined number or more in the display, and in that the kinds ofsymbols to be paid out become more as the bet number of the player atthe start accepting time increases, as shown in FIG. 1. When the betnumber is 1-BET, for example, four kinds of symbols of “CHERRY”,“HEART”, “MOON” and “STAR” are the targets. When the bet number is2-BET, six kinds additionally having symbols of “SUN” and “SMILE” arethe targets. When the bet number is 3-BET, eight kinds additionallyhaving symbols of “1BAR” and “2BAR” are the targets. When the bet numberis 4-BET, nine kinds additionally having a symbol of “3BAR” are thetargets. When the bet number is 5-BET, ten kinds additionally having asymbol of “7” are the targets.

The slot machine according to the embodiments is characterized in thatthe upper limit of number of symbols to influence the award as the betnumber of the player at the start accepting time increases, as shown inFIG. 1.

In a case where the bet number is 1-BET, for example, the credits to bepaid out as the award are increased with the symbol number, until thenumber of the simultaneously displayed symbols is six at the maximum. Ina case where the bet number is 2-BET, the credits to be paid out as theaward are increased with the symbol number, until the number of thesimultaneously displayed symbols is seven at the maximum. In a casewhere the bet number is 3-BET, the credits to be paid out as the awardare increased with the symbol number, until the number of thesimultaneously displayed symbols is eight at the maximum. In a casewhere the bet number is 4-BET, the credits to be paid out as the awardare increased with the symbol number, until the number of thesimultaneously displayed symbols is nine at the maximum. In a case wherethe bet number is 5-BET, the credits to be paid out as the award areincreased with the symbol number, until the number of the simultaneouslydisplayed symbols is ten at the maximum.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

A schematic configuration of a slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment is described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is aperspective view of the slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment.

The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is configured toinclude a cabinet 2, a top box 3 disposed on the upper side of thecabinet 2, and a main door 4 disposed on the front face of the cabinet2.

The top box 3 is provided on its front face with an upper display 5.This upper display 5 is configured of the well-known liquid crystaldisplay, and displays various information, such as a gaming method andan award table.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an award display screen 13 tobe displayed in the upper display 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the awarddisplay screen 13 is configured of an award table 71 arranged generallyat the center, and shows the details of awards (i.e., the credit numbersto be paid out), which are given to correspond to the kinds and numbersof symbols stopped and displayed. Here, the award table 71 displaysimages 72 of symbols of ten kinds in the upper row, and images 73 ofeight kinds indicating the number of symbols, in a leftmost column.Moreover, the numbers of credits to be paid out as the awards areindividually displayed for award display areas 74 of the eightyportions, which are specified by the combinations of the kinds ofsymbols displayed in the upper row and the numbers of symbols displayedin the leftmost column. For example, the award table 71 shown in FIG. 3indicates that 20 credits are paid out as the award when seven symbolsof “CHERRY” are displayed independently of their display positions.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the kinds of the symbolsfor the awards to be paid out and the upper limits of the symbol numbersto influence the awards increase, as the number bet by the player at thestart accepting time increases. In the award display screen 13,therefore, only the award display area 74 for the payout target on thebasis of the bet number being accepted is lightened by a backlight,whereas the award display area 74 not to become the payout target isextinguished (FIG. 3 shows the lightening state of the backlight whenthe bet number is 3-BET.). As a result, the player can easily grasp thecombination to be paid out at present and the details of the award.

The main door 4 is provided on its whole face with a lower display 6.This lower display 6 is configured as a well-known liquid crystaldisplay, and is equipped with a symbol display unit 7 having 3×5 symboldisplay areas. This symbol display unit 7 is configured of five columnsof reels 23 to 27. The reels 23 to 27 display to scroll the symbolcolumns of a predetermined array, and stop-display three symbols at themaximum after lapse of a predetermined time period. As a result, fifteensymbols are displayed at the maximum in accordance with the program ofthe game, as will be described hereinafter, so that a predeterminedaward is paid out to the player on the basis of the combination ofsymbols displayed. Here, the number of reels may be three, and thenumber of symbols to be displayed should not be limited to fifteen.

The lower display 6 is provided on its front face with a touch panel 11so that the player can operate the touch panel 11 to input variousinstructions.

The lower display 6 is provided with a credit number display unit 8 anda payout number display unit 9. The credit number display unit 8displays the number of credits owned at present by the player. Thepayout number display unit 9 displays, as a payout number, the sum of anaward which is given when the combination of the symbols displayedstopped in the symbol display unit 7 is a predetermined winningcombination.

Below the lower display 6, there are provided a control panel 15 havinga plurality of buttons arranged for inputting the instructions relatingto the game progress by the player, a coin receiving slot 16 forreceiving the coin or the gaming medium into the cabinet 2, and a billinsertion slot 17.

The control panel 15 is provided with a start button 18, a change button19, a CASHOUT button 20, a 1-BET button 21 and a MAX-BET button 22. Thestart button 18 serves as an operation unit for accepting instructions(commands) to start the scroll display of the symbol columns in thereels 23 to 27. The change button 19 is operation unit, which is usedwhen an exchange is demanded for the clerk of a game arcade. The CASHOUTbutton 20 is operation unit for inputting either an instruction to payout the coins corresponding to the credit number owned by the player(one credit corresponds to one coin), from a coin payout opening 28 to acoin tray 29, or an instruction to pay out a ticket with a bar code.

The 1-BET button 21 is operation unit for accepting an instruction tobet one of the credits owned by the player, on the game. On the otherhand, the MAX-BET button 22 serves as the operation unit for acceptingan instruction to bet the maximum value (e.g., 5 credits in the firstembodiment), that can be bet on one game, of the credits owned by theplayer, on the game. Incidentally, another BET button can also beexemplified by other various BET buttons such as a 3-BET button.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the gaming medium isexemplified by coins, paper currencies, or electronic valuableinformation (or credits) corresponding to them. However, the gamingmedium to be applied to the invention should not be limited to those butcan be exemplified by medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets.

Subsequently, the symbols to be displayed at a gaming time in the symboldisplay unit 7 of the lower display 6 are described with reference toFIG. 1 and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a front elevation showing thesymbol display unit 7 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is afront elevation showing the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol displayunit 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the symbol display unit 7 according to the firstembodiment is configured of five columns of reels 23 to 27. Moreover,the individual reels 23 to 27 have symbol display areas 31 to 45 fordisplaying the three symbols 46 individually for the individual reels 23to 27 when they are stopped in rotations. When the game is started, thesymbols 46 (totally fifteen symbols) are displayed individually one forthe individual symbol display areas 31 to 45, as shown in FIG. 4. Here,the individual symbol display areas 31 to 45 are so sectioned by dottedlines as to discriminate the individual symbol display areas 31 to 45.

Here in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the gameis played with ten kinds of symbols 46 and blanks (or blank symbols), asshown in FIG. 1. Moreover, a win occurs in the case of a combination, inwhich a predetermined number or more of symbols of the same kind aredisplayed independently of the arrangement for the symbol display areas31 to 45. Then, the award according to the kind and the display numberof the symbols is paid out. In the case of a bonus combination, in whichthe symbols 46 of “7” are arrayed in one transverse row with respect tothe symbol display areas 31 to 45, a bonus game is executed as the awardcontinuously from the end of the ordinary game.

In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the kinds ofthe symbols, for which the awards are to be paid out, and the upperlimit of the symbol number to influence the awards increase, as thenumber of bets made by the player at the start accepting time, as shownin FIG. 1. For the bet number of 1-BET, for example, the target symbolsare four kinds of “CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON” and “STAR”. For the betnumber of 2-BET, six kinds additionally having symbols of “SUN” and“SMILE” are the targets. For the bet number of 3-BET, eight kindsadditionally having symbols of “1BAR” and “2BAR” are the targets. Forthe bet number of 4-BET, nine kinds additionally having a symbol of“3BAR” are the targets. For the bet number of 5-BET, ten kindsadditionally having a symbol of “7” are the targets.

In a case where the bet number is 1-BET, moreover, the credits to bepaid out as the award are increased with the symbol number, until thenumber of the simultaneously displayed symbols is six at the maximum. Ina case where the bet number is 2-BET, the credits to be paid out as theaward are increased with the symbol number, until the number of thesimultaneously displayed symbols is seven at the maximum. In a casewhere the bet number is 3-BET, the credits to be paid out as the awardare increased with the symbol number, until the number of thesimultaneously displayed symbols is eight at the maximum. In a casewhere the bet number is 4-BET, the credits to be paid out as the awardare increased with the symbol number, until the number of thesimultaneously displayed symbols is nine at the maximum. In a case wherethe bet number is 5-BET, the credits to be paid out as the award areincreased with the symbol number, until the number of the simultaneouslydisplayed symbols is ten at the maximum.

Therefore, the details of the awards vary according to the number ofbets made by the player, in a case where the nine symbols 46 of “CHERRY”and the three symbols 46 of “7” are simultaneously displayed, as shownin FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the symbol display unit 7 in a state, inwhich the player starts the game with the 3-BET and in which the symbols46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 in thecombination shown in FIG. 5. On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a diagramshowing the symbol display unit 7 in a state, in which the player startsthe game with the 5-BET and in which the symbols 46 are stopped anddisplayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 in the combination shownin FIG. 5.

With the bet number of the 3-BET, as shown in FIG. 1, the symbols “7”are not those (i.e., the specific symbols), to which the awards are paidout. The maximum of the symbols to influence the details of the awardsis eight so that the awards of the same details as those in a state, inwhich eight symbols are displayed, even if nine symbols are displayed.As shown in FIG. 6, therefore, the detail of the award is to pay out 25credits, as based on the fact that eight symbols of “CHERRY” aresimultaneously displayed.

With the bet number of the 5-BET, as shown in FIG. 1, on the other hand,the symbols “7” are those, to which the awards are paid out. The maximumof the symbols to influence the details of the awards is ten. As shownin FIG. 7, therefore, the details of the award is to pay out the sum of130 credits of the payout of 30 credits, as based on the fact that ninesymbols of “CHERRY” are simultaneously displayed, and the payout of 100credits, as based on the fact that three symbols of “7” aresimultaneously displayed.

In the first embodiment, the win occurs and the award is paid outaccordingly, when a predetermined number of the specific symbols, suchas “CHERRY”, are displayed stopped, as shown in FIG. 1:

However, the slot machine 1 may be configured that the win occurs andthe award is paid out accordingly, when a predetermined condition issatisfied while the number of the specific symbols being displayedstopped in the arrangement is less than the predetermined numberaccording to the number of bets.

Such predetermined condition may be any one of the follows:

(1) A symbol or a combination of symbols (such as “SMILE”, “HEART”,“MOON”, or a combination of such symbols), which are other than thespecific symbol (such as “CHERRY”), are displayed stopped in positionsother than the position where the specific symbol are stopped.

(2) A symbol or a combination of symbols (such as “SMILE”, “HEART”,“MOON”, or a combination of such symbols), which are other than thespecific symbol (such as “CHERRY”), are displayed stopped in apredetermined positions.

(3) Combination of the above items (1) and (2).

Regarding the wins, the pay lines may be set in the symbol display areas31 to 45, so that the award may be paid out when the combination of thesymbols stopped on the pay line becomes predetermined ones shown in FIG.8. Still moreover, both the awards, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, mayalso be paid out.

A game advancing procedure of the slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment will be described in detail. At first, when the start button18 is pressed after the acceptance of a bet is completed, the kinds ofthe symbols to satisfy the combination to pay out the awards and themaximum of the symbols to influence the details of the awards aredetermined (as referred to FIG. 1) on the basis of the bet number madeby the player. After this, an internal lottery is performed to determinethe symbol 46 to be displayed in the symbol display unit 7. At theinstant when a predetermined time period elapses after the start button18 is pressed, the reels 23 to 27 start their rotations thereby toperform the scroll displays of the symbol columns. After lapse of apredetermined time period, the totally fifteen symbols 46 are stoppedand displayed for the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Considering thekinds and the maximum of the symbols determined on the basis of the betnumber, moreover, the details of the awards are determined and given onthe basis of the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed.

Next, a configuration of the control system of the slot machine 1according to the first embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 9.FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system ofthe slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control system of the slot machine 1 isbasically configured of a motherboard 60 and a gaming board 50.

The gaming board 50 is provided with: a CPU 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM52 connected with each other through an internal bus; a card slot 53Scorresponding to a memory card; and an IC socket 54S corresponding to aGAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is a recording medium, which is configured of anonvolatile memory and stored with a game program and a game systemprogram (as will be called the “game program and so on”). The gameprogram stored in the memory card 53 contains a lottery program. Thelottery program is a program for determining the symbols 46 to bedisplayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45.

The memory card 53 also stores a symbol lottery table for drawing thesymbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Here, thesymbol lottery table is a table, by which a predetermined random numberrange is made to correspond to the symbols 46 to be stopped anddisplayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. On the basis of thesymbol lottery table, moreover, the symbols 46 to be stopped anddisplayed at first in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 are determined,and the awards to be given to the player are then determined on thebasis of the combination of the symbols 46 determined.

The symbol lottery table may be a table, in which the predeterminedrandom number range is made to correspond to the award to be given tothe player. In this case, the award to be given to the player isdetermined on the basis of the symbol lottery table, and the combinationof the symbols 46 for satisfying the determined award is selected by amain CPU 61.

The motherboard 61 is configured by using a commercially availablemotherboard (e.g., a printed circuit board having the fundamental partsof a personal computer mounted thereon), and is provided with the mainCPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63 and a communication interface 64.

The ROM 62 is made of a memory device such as a flash memory, and isstored with permanent data such as a BIOS to be executed by the main CPU61. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 61, a predeterminedperipheral device is initialized so that the fetch of the game programor the like stored in the memory card 53 is started through the gamingboard 50.

The RAM 63 is stored with the data or program to be used when the mainCPU 61 acts. Moreover, the RAM 63 can store the various programs such asthe authentication program or the game program to be read out throughthe gaming board 50, or the credit number being owned by the player.

The communication interface 64 is a communication device for performingcommunications with a server disposed in the game arcade, throughcommunication lines.

A main PCB 70 and a door PCB 80, as will be described hereinafter, areconnected with the motherboard 60 through individual USBs. A power unit65 is also connected with the motherboard 60. When the motherboard 60 isfed with an electric power from the power unit 65, the main CPU 61starts to operate. The electric power is further fed to the gaming board50 through the PCI bus so that the CPU 51 is started.

The main PCB 70 is connected with a hopper 66, a coin detection unit 67,a graphic board 68, a speaker 69, the touch panel 11, and the billinsertion slot 17.

The graphic board 68 controls, on the basis of a control signal from themain CPU 61, the image displays in the upper display 5 and the lowerdisplay 6. For example, the award display screen 13 (FIG. 3) isdisplayed on the upper display 5, and the scroll display and the stopdisplay of the symbols 46 accompanying the rotations of the reels 23 to27 are performed on the lower display 6 for the symbol display unit 7.

The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 15, a reverter 16S,a coin counter 16C and a cold-cathode tube 81. The control panel 15 isprovided with: a start switch 18S for the start button 18; a changeswitch 19S for the change button 19; a CASHOUT switch 20S for theCASHOUT button 20; a 1-BET switch 21S for the 1-BET button 21; and aMAX-BET switch 22S for the MAX-BET button 22. These switches outputinput signals to the main CPU 61 when the corresponding buttons areoperated by the player.

Subsequently, a main control program to be executed in the slot machine1 according to the first embodiment is described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of themain control program.

In the slot machine 1, it is assumed that the memory card 53 is alreadyinserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54is mounted in the IC socket 54S.

At first, the power switch is turned on in the power unit 65. Then, themotherboard 60 and the gaming board 50 are individually started toexecute the authentication reading operation of Step (as will beabbreviated into “S”) 1. In this authentication reading operation, themotherboard 60 and the gaming board 50 individually perform differentoperations in parallel.

In the gaming board 50, more specifically, the CPU 51 performs thereading of the preparatory authentication program stored in the boot ROM52, and performs, in accordance with the read preparatory authenticationprogram, the preparatory authentication to confirm and verify that theauthentication program has not been tampered in advance before fetchedby the motherboard 60.

In the motherboard 60, the main CPU 61 executes the BIOS stored in theROM 62, to expand the compressed data installed in the BIOS, into theRAM 63 thereby to execute the BIOS expanded into the RAM 63 and todiagnose and initialize the various peripheral devices.

After this, the main CPU 61 reads out the authentication program storedin the ROM 55, and performs the authentication to confirm and verifythat the game program or the like stored in the memory card 53 insertedinto the card slot 53S is not tampered. When this authenticatingoperation normally ends, the main CPU 61 writes the game program or thelike to be authenticated (or authenticated), in the RAM 63.Subsequently, the main CPU 61 performs a fetching operation to read outthe payout percentage setting data stored in the GAL 54, through thegaming board 50, and writes the payout percentage setting data read out,in the RAM 63.

After these operations, the main CPU 61 ends the authentication readingoperation.

At S2, the main CPU 61 sequentially reads out the game program and so onauthenticated by the authentication reading operation of the S1, andexecutes them to perform the main gaming operations. The game in theslot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is played by executingthose main gaming operations. Moreover, these main gaming operations arerepeatedly executed while the power is being fed to the slot machine 1.

Next, a sub-operation of the aforementioned main gaming operations of S2is described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of themain gaming program in the slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment. Here, the individual programs, as shown in the followingflow chart of FIG. 11, are stored in the memory card 53, and areexpanded in the RAM 63 belonging to the slot machine 1 so that they areexecuted by the main CPU 61.

As shown in FIG. 11, at first S11, the main CPU 61 performs apredetermined initial setting, and then a start accepting operation toset the insertion of coins or the bet number. In the initial operation,the data of an item (e.g., the payout number counter) set in apredetermined data area is cleared. In the start acceptance, moreover,the player performs the insertion of coins and a betting operation, byusing the 1-BET button 21 and the MAX-BET button 22, to set the betnumber of this game to any of the 1-BET to 5-BET.

Next, at S12, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the start button18 is pressed. Whether or not the start button 18 is pressed isdetermined on the basis whether or not the input signal from the startswitch 18S has been received.

When the start button 18 is not inputted (S12: NO), the routine returnsback to the start acceptance (S11). At this time, the operation tocorrect the bet number or the like is possible. When the start button 18is inputted (S12: YES), on the other hand, the bet number, which is seton the basis of the operations of the 1-BET button 21 and the MAX-BETbutton 22, is subtracted from the owned credit number, and is stored asbet information in the RAM 63.

After this, at S13, the kinds of the symbols, for which the awards areto be paid out, and the upper limit of the symbol numbers to influencethe awards are set on the basis of the bet number, which has beenaccepted by the start accepting operation of S11. When the bet numberaccepted is 1-BET, for example, the target symbols are four kinds of“CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON” and “STAR”, and the upper limit of the symbolnumber, for which the credits to be paid out as the award increase, isset to six. When the bet number accepted is 2-BET, six kindsadditionally having symbols of “SUN” and “SMILE” are the targets, andthe upper limit of the symbol number, for which the credits to be paidout as the award increase, is set to seven. When the bet number acceptedis 3-BET, eight kinds additionally having symbols of “1BAR” and “2BAR”are the targets, and the upper limit of the symbol number, for which thecredits to be paid out as the award increase, is set to eight. When thebet number is 4-BET, nine kinds additionally having a symbol of “3BAR”are the targets, and the upper limit of the symbol number, for which thecredits to be paid out as the award increase, is set to nine. When thebent number is 5-BET, ten kinds additionally having a symbol of “7” arethe targets, and the upper limit of the symbol number, for which thecredits to be paid out as the award increase, is set to ten.

Next, at S14, the main CPU 61 controls the illumination of the backlightof the upper display 5, thereby to light only the award display area 74indicating the award to be paid out in the award display screen 13 (FIG.3).

Subsequently, at S15, the main CPU 61 executes a symbol drawingoperation to draw the symbols displayed in the individual symbol displayareas 31 to 45 of the symbol display unit 7. Specifically, the main CPU61 executes the random number generating program stored in the lotteryprogram stored in the RAM 63, thereby to sample a random number from thenumerical range of a predetermined random number range and to decide thefifteen symbols 46 (i.e., the stop positions of the reels 23 to 27)displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, from a plurality ofkinds of symbols, on the basis of the random number sampled and thesymbol lottery table.

Next, at S16, the main CPU 61 starts the rotations of the reels 23 to27, and scrolls and displays the symbol columns arranged in theindividual reels 23 to 27, at a predetermined speed. After thepredetermined time period elapsed, the reels are stopped and displayedin the order of the reel 23→the reel 24→the reel 25→the reel 26→the reel27, and the three symbols 46 are displayed individually for the reels 23to 27 (as referred to FIG. 5).

Subsequently, at S17, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not thecombination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31to 45 is a specific one for paying out any award.

When determined (S17: YES) that the combination is to pay out the award,the routine transfers to S18. When determined (S17: NO) that thecombination is not to pay out the award, on the contrary, the maingaming operation is ended. When the game is next started continuously,the operations of S1 and subsequent steps are performed again.

At S18, the main CPU 61 displays the award based on the combinationsatisfied in the lower display 6, thereby to report the details of theaward to the player. In FIG. 7, for example, the combination, in whichthe nine symbols of “CHERRY” are displayed and in which the threesymbols of “7” are displayed, holds to display the letters “Win 130”,reporting that totally 130 credits are paid out as the award.

Subsequently, it is determined at S19 whether or not the combination ofthe symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 has heldthe bonus combination by the first reel revolving operation of S16.Here, the bonus combination is one, in which the symbols 46 of “7” arearrayed in one transverse row.

As a result, the routine proceeds to the bonus game operation (at S20),when it is decided (S19: YES) that the bonus combination has been held.Various modes can be conceived as the bonus game, but the description ismade, assuming that the free game is the bonus game. Here, the free gameis one, which is played a predetermined number of times with the samedetails as those of the ordinary game but without any BET. In the bonusgame operation of S20, the rotations and stop controls of the reels 23to 27 are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times, and theawards held for those repetitions are paid out to the player by thelater-described payout of S21. Here, the conditions for the transfer tothe bonus game may be either the case, in which a predetermined numberor more predetermined symbols are displayed, or the mode, in which thesymbols suddenly occur as mysteries, so that they can be set various.Moreover, the lottery table to be used in the free game may also beexemplified by one which is set to have a more payout than that of theordinary game.

At S21, the main CPU 61 pays out the award based on the combination ofthe displayed symbol, to the player. At this time, the CASHOUT button 20is pressed, so that the award can be paid out as the coins (each ofwhich corresponds to one credit) according to the credit number or asthe ticket with bar codes.

In the slot machine 1 thus far described according to the firstembodiment, the bet number in the game at this time is accepted (at S11)at any of 1-BET to 5-BET by the operation of the player at the gamestarting time using the 1-BET button 21 and the MAX-BET button 22. Onthe basis of the bet number accepted, the kinds of the symbols to bepaid out for the awards and the upper limit of the symbol number toinfluence the awards are set (at S13). After this, the reels 23 to 27start their individual rotations, and the totally fifteen symbols 46 arestopped and displayed for the symbol display areas 31 to 45 after lapseof a predetermined time period, so that the awards are paid out (at S21)to the player on the basis of the kinds of the set symbols, the upperlimit of the symbol numbers and the combination of the arranged symbols46. This makes it possible to increase the patterns to be held by thecombinations to pay out the awards, and to increase the combinations ofthe symbols to give an award of a larger sum. Thus, the expectations forthe game can be improved to provide an attractive game for the player.

By increasing the bet number, moreover, the kinds of the symbols to bepaid out for the awards and the upper limit of the symbol numbers toinfluence the awards can be increased to allow the player to enjoy thegame with a larger number of bets.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Next, a slot machine according to a second embodiment is described withreference to FIG. 12. In the following description, the same referencenumerals as those of the configuration of the slot machine 1 accordingto the first embodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 designate the same orcorresponding portions as or to the configuration of the slot machine 1or the like according to the first embodiment.

The schematic configuration of the slot machine according to the secondembodiment is substantially identical to that of the slot machine 1 ofthe first embodiment. Moreover, the various control operations are alsosubstantially identical to those of the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, however, boththe kind of the symbols to be paid out and the upper limit of the symbolnumbers to influence the awards are modified according to the betnumbers accepted. On the other hand, the slot machine according to thesecond embodiment is different from the slot machine 1 according to thefirst embodiment in that the upper limits of the symbol numbers toinfluence the awards are exclusively modified by the bet numbersaccepted.

In the slot machine according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.12, the credits to be paid out as the awards so increase with the symbolnumber that the number of the symbols simultaneously displayed for thesymbols of totally ten kinds becomes six at the maximum. When the betnumber is 2-BET, the credits to be paid out as the awards so increasewith the symbol number that the number of symbols simultaneouslydisplayed becomes seven at the maximum. When the bet number is 3-BET,the credits to be paid out as the awards so increase with the symbolnumber that the number of symbols simultaneously displayed becomes eightat the maximum. When the bet number is 4-BET, the credits to be paid outas the awards so increase with the symbol number that the number ofsymbols simultaneously displayed becomes nine at the maximum. When thebet number is 5-BET, the credits to be paid out as the awards soincrease with the symbol number that the number of symbolssimultaneously displayed becomes ten at the maximum.

In the payout (at S21), the main CPU 61 decides the details of theawards to be paid out to the player, on the basis of the upper limits ofthe symbol numbers set on the basis of the bet numbers accepted, and thecombination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31to 45.

In the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, as has beendescribed hereinbefore, the bet number in the game at this time isaccepted (at S11) as any of 1-BET to 5-BET by the operations of theplayer using the 1-BET button 21 and the MAX-BET button 22 at the gamestarting time. The upper limit of the symbol numbers to influence theawards is set on the basis of the bet number accepted. After this, thereels 23 to 27 start their rotations, and the totally fifteen symbols 46are stopped and displayed after lapse of a predetermined time period forthe symbol display areas 31 to 45, so that the awards are paid out (atS21) to the player on the basis of the upper limit of the set symbolnumber and the combination of the symbols 46 arranged. This can increasethe combinations of the symbols to pay out the awards of the largersums. As a result, it is possible to improve the feeling of expectationfor the play thereby to provide a game attractive for the player.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Next, a slot machine according to a third embodiment is described withreference to FIG. 13. In the following description, the same referencenumerals as those of the configuration of the slot machine 1 accordingto the first embodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 designate the same orcorresponding portions as or to the configuration of the slot machine 1or the like according to the first embodiment.

The schematic configuration of this slot machine according to the thirdembodiment is substantially identical to that of the slot machine 1 ofthe first embodiment. Moreover, the various control operations are alsosubstantially identical to those of the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, however, thekind of the symbols to be paid out and the upper limit of the symbolnumbers to influence the awards increase as the bet numbers acceptedincrease. On the other hand, the slot machine according to the thirdembodiment is different from the slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment in that the kinds of the symbols to be paid out for theawards do not simply increase but are modified in their combinations, asthe bet numbers accepted increase.

In the slot machine according to the third embodiment, when 1-BET isaccepted as the bet number in the start accepting operation (at S11), asshown in FIG. 13, four kinds of symbols of “CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON” and“STAR” are the targets, and the credits to be paid out as the awardsincrease according to the symbol number, until the number of symbolssimultaneously displayed is ten at the maximum. When the bet number is2-BET, five kinds of “HEART”, “MOON”, “STAR”, “SUN” and “SMILE” are thetargets. When the bet number is 3-BET, six kinds of “MOON”, “STAR”,“SUN”, “SMILE”, “1-BAR” and “2-BAR” are the targets. When the bet numberis 4-BET, six kinds of “STAR”, “SUN”, “SMILE”, “1-BAR”, “2-BAR” and“3-BAR” are the targets. When the bet number is 5-BET, six kinds of“SUN”, “SMILE”, “1-BAR”, “2-BAR”, “3-BAR” and “7” are the targets.

In the payout (at S21), the main CPU 61 decides the details of theawards to be paid out to the player, on the basis of the kinds of thesymbols to be paid for the awards set on the basis of the bet numbersaccepted, and the combination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symboldisplay areas 31 to 45.

In the slot machine 1 thus far described according to the thirdembodiment, the bet number in the game at this time is accepted (at S11)at any of 1-BET to 5-BET by the operation of the player at the gamestarting time using the 1-BET button 21 and the MAX-BET button 22. Onthe basis of the bet number accepted, the kinds of the symbols to bepaid out for the awards are set. After this, the reels 23 to 27 starttheir individual rotations, and the totally fifteen symbols 46 arestopped and displayed for the symbol display areas 31 to 45 after lapseof a predetermined time period, so that the awards are paid out (at S21)to the player on the basis of the kinds of the set symbols and thecombination of the arranged symbols 46. This makes it possible to changethe patterns to be satisfied by the combinations to pay out the awards.Thus, the expectations for the game can be improved to provide anattractive game for the player.

By increasing the bet number, moreover, the kinds of the symbols to bepaid out for the awards can be modified those of the symbols for thepayout of a larger sum, thereby to allow the player to enjoy the gamewith a larger number of bets.

Here, the present invention should not be limited to the aforementionedembodiments but can naturally be improved and modified in variousmanners within the scope not departing from the claimed invention.

In the first to third embodiments, for example, as the bet numberaccepted increases, the kinds of the symbols or the targets to be paidout for the awards increase or vary according to the preset rules (asreferred to FIG. 1 and FIG. 13), but the kinds of symbols to beincreased may also be selected by the player. In this case where the betof 2-BET or larger is accepted after the end of the bet acceptance (atS11), the list of symbols may be displayed in the lower display 6 sothat the player is enabled to select the symbols by using the touchpanel.

In the first to third embodiments, the kind of the symbols to be paidout for the awards and the upper limit of the symbols to influence theawards are modified under the condition that the bet numbers acceptedincrease, but the condition may be other than the bet numbers. When thepayout percentage becomes 90% or less, for example, it is possible toincrease the kinds of the symbols to be paid out for the awards and theupper limit of the symbols to influence the awards. When the payoutpercentage becomes 95% or more, it is also possible to decrease thekinds of the symbols to be paid out for the awards and the upper limitof the symbols to influence the awards. When the combination of thesymbols becomes a predetermined one, moreover, it is further possible toincrease the kinds of the symbols to be paid out for the awards and theupper limit of the symbols to influence the awards for several games.

The present invention can also be applied to the slot machine usingmechanical reels. The present invention should not be limited to theslot machine but can be extended to a poker game machine, for example.In this case, it is possible to modify the symbols (e.g., 3 of hearts)that satisfy the combination (i.e., a poker hand) to be awardedaccording to the bet number of the player or the upper limit of the cardnumber.

For example, the targets of the cards for satisfying the hands can beonly the symbols of the hearts, when the game is started with the 1-BET.The targets of the cards for satisfying the hands can also be all thesymbols, when the game is started with the 4-BET or more. When the gameis started with the 1-BET, the targets of the awards are set to threesheets even if four or more identical symbols are displayed (that is,the award for the three-card hand is paid out even when the four-cardhand holds). When the game is started with the 5-BET, a higher award(i.e., an award for the four-card hand) corresponding to the display ofthe four cards may be given if the four cards of the common symbol aredisplayed.

As described above with reference to the embodiments, there is provideda gaming machine and a method that provide a game, in which the kinds ofpredetermined symbols, which to satisfy a combination to pay out anaward when a predetermined condition is satisfied, are modified to varya pattern for satisfying the combination to pay out the award, so that agame attractive for the player can be provided. This improves theexpectation for the game.

As the number of bets accepted increases, moreover, the processorincreases the patterns, in which the combinations to pay out the awardshold, so that the player can play with larger bet numbers.

Moreover, not only the kinds of specific symbols to satisfy thecombinations to pay out the awards but also the upper limit of thenumber of specific symbols to influence the details of the awards aremodified so that combinations to give awards of larger sums can beincreased. It is, therefore, possible to improve a feeling ofexpectation for the play.

It is described in the embodiment that the award is “paid out” to theplayer in accordance with the combination of the symbols displayedstopped in the second arrangement. However, the award may be any type ofaward that is advantageous to the player in playing the game.

The award may be provided to the player by providing the player a bonusgame such as a free game, which is played without consumption of anygame medium (coins, medals, tokens, or credits), or a second game, whichis different from the base game and is more advantageous to the player.

The award may also be provided to the player by transitioning the gameto be performed based on an award table having higher odds than theaward table shown in FIG. 8 used in the base game.

The award may also be provided to the player by actually paying outtangible game medium (coins, medals, or tokens) to the player, or bypaying out non-tangible credits as the game medium to the player. Thecredits may be accumulated in the gaming machine to be actually paid outlater as the tangible game medium.

As described with reference to the embodiments, there is provided agaming machine including: a display; an operation unit that allows aplayer to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that isoperable with the display and the operation unit to: control the displayto display an arrangement of a plurality of symbols for providing thegame, the symbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds; providean award to the player when the arrangement is determined to be acombination including a predetermined number of symbols that belong to akind that is defined as a specific symbol; and modify the kind ofsymbols to be defined as the specific symbol when a predeterminedcondition is satisfied.

There is also provided a method for providing a game to a player, themethod including: allowing the player to input commands for playing thegame; displaying an arrangement of a plurality of symbols for providingthe game, the symbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds;providing an award to the player when the arrangement is determined tobe a combination including a predetermined number of symbols that belongto a kind that is defined as a specific symbol; and modifying the kindof symbols to be defined as the specific symbol when a predeterminedcondition is satisfied.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display; an operation unit that allowsa player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that isoperable with the display and the operation unit to: control the displayto display an arrangement of a plurality of symbols for providing thegame, the symbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds; providean award to the player when the arrangement is determined to be acombination including a predetermined number of symbols that belong to akind that is defined as a specific symbol; and modify the kind ofsymbols to be defined as the specific symbol when a predeterminedcondition is satisfied.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,wherein the processor further operates to: accept a bet made by theplayer through the operation unit; and determine a detail of the awardin accordance with the bet.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2,wherein the processor modifies the kind of symbols to be defined as thespecific symbol based on a number of the bet made by the player throughthe operation unit.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, whereinthe processor modifies to increase a number of the kind of symbols to bedefined as the specific symbol as the number of the bet made by theplayer through the operation unit increases.
 5. The gaming machineaccording to claim 2, wherein the processor modifies the kind of symbolsto be defined as the specific symbol when a number of the bet made bythe player through the operation unit reaches to a predetermined number.6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther operable to determine a detail of the award in accordance withthe number of the symbols, which belong to the kind that is defined asthe specific symbol, included in the arrangement.
 7. The gaming machineaccording to claim 6, wherein the processor is further operable tochange an upper limit of the number of the symbols that are consideredin the determination of the detail of the award when the predeterminedcondition is satisfied.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7,wherein the processor further operates to accept a bet made by theplayer through the operation unit, and wherein the processor modifiesthe kind of symbols to be defined as the specific symbol and changes theupper limit of the number of the symbols, based on a number of the betmade by the player through the operation unit.
 9. The gaming machineaccording to claim 8, wherein the processor modifies to increase thekind of symbols to be defined as the specific symbol and changes toincrease the upper limit of the number of the symbols, as the number ofthe bet made by the player through the operation unit increases.
 10. Thegaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display includes adisplay panel that displays various images on a screen, the imagesincluding a plurality of video reels on which the symbols are arranged.11. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the displayincludes a plurality of mechanical reels on which the symbols arearranged.
 12. A method for providing a game to a player, the methodcomprising: allowing the player to input commands for playing the game;displaying an arrangement of a plurality of symbols for providing thegame, the symbols each belonging to one of a plurality of kinds;providing an award to the player when the arrangement is determined tobe a combination including a predetermined number of symbols that belongto a kind that is defined as a specific symbol; and modifying the kindof symbols to be defined as the specific symbol when a predeterminedcondition is satisfied.
 13. The method according to claim 12 furthercomprising: accepting a bet made by the player; and determining a detailof the award in accordance with the bet.
 14. The method according toclaim 13, wherein the kind of symbols to be defined as the specificsymbol is modified based on a number of the bet made by the player. 15.The method according to claim 14, wherein the kind of symbols to bedefined as the specific symbol is modified to be increased in number asthe number of the bet made by the player through the operation unitincreases.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the kind ofsymbols to be defined as the specific symbol is modified when a numberof the bet made by the player reaches to a predetermined number.
 17. Themethod according to claim 12 further comprising determining a detail ofthe award in accordance with the number of the symbols, which belong tothe kind that is defined as the specific symbol, included in thearrangement.
 18. The method according to claim 17 further comprisingchanging an upper limit of the number of the symbols that are consideredin the determination of the detail of the award when the predeterminedcondition is satisfied.
 19. The method according to claim 18 furthercomprising accepting a bet made by the player through the operationunit, wherein the kind of symbols to be defined as the specific symbolis modified, and the upper limit of the number of the symbols ischanged, based on a number of the bet made by the player.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the kind of symbols to be defined as thespecific symbol is modified to be increased, and the upper limit of thenumber of the symbols is changed to be increased, as the number of thebet made by the player through the operation unit increases.